Volunteers Urgently Needed

WEAR YOUR APRON WITH PRIDE AND CALL US NOW

Collyweston Community shop, established in July 2010, is facing a life-threatening crisis due to a severe lack of volunteers.

This little gem of a shop is recognised locally for offering a wide range of quality local food products as well as weekly staples and also offers great community support to all sectors of the community.

Hardworking manager Rachel, supported by the management committee and a (small) faithful and dedicated band of existing volunteers, is continually battling to juggle the volunteer rota to cover the opening hours needed to keep the shop viable but unfortunately there are just not enough willing helpers at present.

The shop is viable financially, showing a growth in turnover, profit and footfall in the last two financial years and has donated over £2,500 so far to village causes.

Without more help the shop would have to reduce hours but this would reduce income making the shop unviable so the only solution is to get more volunteers, just 3 or 4 extra hands would be a big help.

So what does a volunteer do? You would serve customers and take their payments, full training will be given; some restocking and light cleaning; tea and coffee provided; chatting to locals and making new friends; acting as an information service to visitors to the village. Shifts vary from 2-4 hours.

If the necessary shifts cannot be filled by the end of May the committee will be forced to commence plans to close by the end of June which will be a very sad loss to the village.

If you are able to help to save this valuable community asset (and you don’t need to live in Colly to join in), please ring 01780 440830 or email collywestonshop@googlemail.com or call at the shop for an informal chat.

Without more support the shop will close.

Those who volunteer get a lot out of it (including a 10% discount scheme) so if you have a little time to spare why not give it a try?